Federal authorities arrested two men in Idaho following an investigation into a fraudulent romance and investment scheme that crossed multiple state lines, according to court documents released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
The U.S. According to federal investigators, the operation targeted at least 26 women across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and California, resulting in approximately $1.3 million in stolen funds between February 2022 and the date of their arrests.
Court records detail that Love used online dating applications to establish romantic relationships with victims while cultivating an elaborate deception regarding his personal wealth and professional life. Investigators stated that Love routinely posed as a professional football player for the San Francisco 49ers or as a successful real estate investor to build credibility with prospective targets.
How the Investment and Romance Fraud Operated
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Love employed multiple alias identities—including Jon Love, Avril Lyto Love, and Jordan Love—to maintain the fraud. Prosecutors noted that the primary suspect utilized specialized mobile applications to generate fake bank accounts and fabricated investment portfolios, which he displayed to victims as proof of legitimate financial returns.
To further reinforce the deception, Love allegedly involved Taylor Chan, who posed as a financial adviser. Federal filings show that Chan participated in three-way FaceTime calls with victims, falsely confirming investment gains and sending electronic communications that simulated professional financial recommendations.
Authorities stated that Love convinced the women to redirect their savings into supposed wealth-building ventures with promises of shared futures and guaranteed security. When victims lacked immediate cash reserves, court documents show that Love directed them to secure personal loans under the assurance that the funds would be quickly reimbursed.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation in Idaho
The criminal complaint and arrest warrants were issued on August 17 by the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. Law enforcement tracking revealed that Chan traveled from California to Boise to rendezvous with Love on August 24, prompting federal agents to intercept and arrest both men at the Boise airport.
Investigators determined that Love had traveled to Idaho specifically to meet with additional potential victims. Both men face formal federal charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and substantive wire fraud.
Federal law enforcement officials believe additional individuals may have been affected by the scheme. The FBI continues to investigate the operation and encourages potential victims to come forward as court proceedings advance.
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